The balloonist, from Raleigh, North Carolina, is learning to sail a lifeboat,
in case he needs to ditch into the ocean during the mission. The unique
gondola will have an open roof for take-off but a canopy to protect its
pilot from high-altitude winds and frostbite during the crossing. If
something goes wrong, Mr Trappe will change out of his UV protection suit
into a cold water suit, pop enough balloons to bring the gondola close to
the water, and attempt to land in the ocean.